The abductor pollicis longus is one of the muscles of the deep layer of the posterior compartment of the forearm.
The posterior compartment of the forearm consists of a superficial layer (7 muscles) and a deep layer (5 muscles).
There are 3 "pollicis" muscles in the deep layer which act on the thumb: abductor pollicis longus, extensor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis.
All the muscles of the posterior compartment are innervated by the radial nerve.
The muscles of the deep layer include:
- supinator
- abductor pollicis longus
- extensor pollicis brevis
- extensor pollicis longus
- extensor indicis
Origin
- Posterior surface of proximal ulna and radial shafts
- Adjacent interosseus membrane
Insertion
It usual splits into 2 slips distally:
- radial side – first metacarpal base
- trapezium
The abductor pollicis longus emerges distally between the extensor digitorum and the extensor carpi radialis brevis muscles to form its tendon which runs in a groove within the lateral side of the distal radius, accompanied by the tendon of the extensor pollicis brevis.
Action
- Abduction of the wrist
- Abduction and extension of the thumb
Innervation
- Posterior interosseus nerve
Blood Supply
- Proximal – branch of posterior interosseus artery
- Distal – branch of anterior interosseus artery